China on Saturday said it had granted approval to some applications for the export of rare earths, in a move that comes just ahead of fresh trade talks between Chinese and U.S. officials on Monday. China's strict export controls over rare earths has been a flashpoint in trade relations with the U.

Beijing says it granted approval to some applications for the export of rare earths, a move that could ease tensions before trade negotiations between the US and China next week.

Beijing has approved more export licenses for the critical minerals and magnets in recent days, but supplies remain scarce and factories in the West are running out.